Eric Canha-Imagn Images
It hard to believe, but the Patriots have already had nine training camp practice including last night’s in stadium scrimmage. We have had more than enough time to evaluate which players stock is raising and which players stock is falling.
Here is the list of the players who have done well in training camp and those that haven’t made as much of an impression. Here is who I am buying and selling thus far.
Buying
Jared Wilson, C/G: The rookie from Georgia has been impressive thus far. He has repped at center and left guard and looks like a prime candidate to start at one of those two spots. During the first week of camp, you thought it might be center but he has ascended quickly at left guard and looks like the early favorite over Cole Strange and Caedan Wallace.
Kayshon Boutte, WR: Boutte came into camp looking like a potential odd man out candidate but he has been one of the Patriots two best receivers thus far through two weeks. He has been one of the top two receivers on the field depending on the personnel grouping. Boutte has good size, runs clean routes and has strong hands. He is deceptively quick and looks he could be a good fit in Josh McDaniels offense.
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE: Chaisson has had a good camp. He has shown good get off and explosion and has popped both in drills and team periods. He has given rookie left tackle Will Campbell all he can handle thus far. Still only 25 years old, Chaisson could thrive in the Patriots scheme and be one of the team’s best pass rushers.
Harold Landry, EDGE: Landry has been the Patriots best pass rusher thus far. He has gotten consistent pressure on the quarterbacks in team periods and he has been tough to block in drills and group periods. The biggest thing for Landry is to stay healthy. So far he looks refreshed and motivated to prove he can still be an elite pass rusher.
Alex Austin, CB: With the injury to Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis being out, Austin has capitalized on the opportunity and made the most of his reps at camp. He can play on the outside and in the slot. It is that versatility that makes Austin a prized commodity and a player that will contribute to this team both on defense and on special teams.
Tre’veyon Henderson, RB: Henderson has been as advertised. He has the balance, explosiveness and next level speed that are required to play running back. Henderson has flashed the big play potential and versatility we saw at Ohio State. He has been worked in slowly but his reps have increased the past few practices and you are starting to see why many thought he should have gone in the first round.
Pop Douglas, WR: We knew Pop could potentially thrive in this offense as a slot receiver and so far, he has. Douglas aligned at the Z and the F and he has done a great job of getting open and creating separation after the catch. He has shown the burst in space we have seen from him in the past. I know it is cliche, but Pop has “popped”.
Kyle Williams, WR: Williams speed and ability to separate from coverage have been on full display thus far. He has aligned at the X, F and Z and has shown an ability to stack corners and separate vertically. Williams lateral quickness after the catch has also been impressive. He has looked like a legit deep threat. Something the Patriots have lacked for a long time.
Selling
Kendrick Bourne, WR: Bourne has been a non-factor in training camp practices and then he got hurt in Friday night’s scrimmage. He was once a lock to make this team but now he might be fighting for a roster spot assuming his ankle is healthy enough to practice.
Will Campbell, OT: Campbell has looked like a rookie. He has had some bright spots as a run blocker and then he has struggled at times, especially in one on one’s and pass pro. Part of the problem, his arm length. It has been evident when he’s trying to reset and punch on an inside move. He tends to lean forward and lose his balance. He is also giving up inside hand position at times which is forcing him to get bull rushed and bent back. It is early. However Campbell has a lot to work on before he can be regular season ready.
Cole Strange, G: Strange seemed like he was locking up the starting left guard spot and then Jared Wilson emerged and became a viable option there. Strange has been fine at practice. He is serviceable but with Campbell at left tackle, the Patriots need more than a serviceable starter. They need someone who can play well and help out the rookie.
Kyle Dugger, S: Honestly, I haven’t noticed him and I have spent a fair amount watching the secondary. He has done nothing to get my attention or anyone else’s for that matter. Dugger could be a really good scheme fit in this defense but he needs to start making more plays at practice. He is the team’s best safety and help needs to start practicing like it.
Marcellus Dial, CB: Dial has struggled when he has gotten cornerback reps. He was supposed to be a player who could wear multiple hats as a defensive back and special teamer. Thus far, he looks like a liability in the secondary. He needs to have a good week this week in order to give himself a shot at making the team.
Marte Mapu, LB: I feel like Mapu getting moved to linebacker has buried him. He has been getting reps with the second and third team. He is a versatile and talented player who should be getting more time in sub packages but we have not seen that so far. It is hard to tell through two weeks where he stands on making this team.
Anfernee Jennings, EDGE: Jennings has been exclusively getting reps with the second unit. He has been one of the Patriots most consistent players the past three seasons but so far, he has done nothing notable in training camp and it is hard to tell how this staff views him as a fit in this new scheme.